The number of gin producers in this country has multiplied in the last couple of years, which is good news for gin lovers, as there are plenty more to taste and enjoy, as well as dozens of new and exciting flavours to try.
Whether you are new to gin, or a seasoned gin-drinker that has been enjoying this popular spirit for many years, a visit to a gin distillery must be on your bucket list. On your visit, you will learn more about the tipple you love as well as uncovering some interesting facts about the way it is produced.
If you are just discovering gin’s unique juniper taste, tastings are a great way to find out what you like and what you love. So gather a group of friends together as you have fun sampling an array of different types of this popular tipple, from all over the country, in a variety of flavours and using range of botanicals.
If you think you already know gin, then think again!
A little spirit thrown in for good measure
Spontaneous, self-sufficient, and with a little spirit thrown in for good measure, that’s Stuart and Adelle Brown, founders of Deerness Distillery – Orkney’s first distillery for over 130 years.
It is here that they produce the multi-award winning ‘Sea Glass Gin’, new ‘Scuttled Gin’ and the UK most Northerly distilled vodka, ‘Into the Wild’. From their purpose-built distillery at the side of their home in Deerness Orkney, they launched their products Sea Glass Gin and Into the Wild Vodka – back in May 2017, after a year of construction and product development.
The distillery boasts a beautiful shop as well as tours and tastings of their spirits. Plans are afoot for a café and extending their award-winning spirits with a small batch rum and small batch whisky.
Deerness Distillery spirits are a must try if you’re looking for an exclusive premium gin or vodka!
*For more information or to arrange a tour and tasting, visit Deerness Distillery website by clicking here or email: info@deernessdistillery.com
Let this trio take you on a gin adventure
Lussa Gin is inspired by the Lussa Glen at the north end of the Isle of Jura, an island which is a two ferry journey from the mainland and inhabited by just over 200 people – three of those people are Claire Fletcher, Georgina Kitching and Alicia MacInnes.
In 2015 they began their adventure in gin in the kitchen with a 10 litre still called ‘Jim’. 4,000 bottles later, they renovated an old stables building to house their new 200 litre still, called ‘Hamish’.
They distill 15 botanicals that they can grow or gather themselves from Jura’s coastline, its hills, wetlands, woods and gardens.
Along with juniper, lemon thyme and coriander seed, they grow roughly 40kg of rose petals each year. They also pick rosehip, Scots pine, bog myrtle, sea lettuce, elderflower, water mint, honeysuckle and lime tree flowers. The botanicals are frozen, rather than dried and the result is a smooth, zesty, aromatic, London dry gin.
Lussa Gin is best paired with a plain tonic, a wedge of frozen lemon and a sprig of mint or a rose petal. It can be bought online via the website and posted anywhere in the UK. It’s available in independent retailers across Scotland as well as bars, restaurants and hotels.
*For more information visit Lussa Gin website by clicking here.
Discerning gin fans must head to this five-star shop
Geraldo’s of Largs is rapidly becoming one of Ayrshire’s must-see shops for a discerning gin fan. Not only do they stock over 70 craft gins, but they offer free in-store gin tastings on Saturday afternoons.
This independent 5-star tourist shop is owned by Toni Dawson and her mother Caroline who are passionate about their business and work closely with Scottish gin producers to introduce exciting new gins and unusual liqueurs to their customers. The free in-store tastings offer the opportunity to meet the people behind the craft drinks, pick up serve suggestions and best of all, sample their gin!
Geraldo’s is a haven for exquisite food & drink gifts and indulgent treats, particularly at Christmas time. There is an awe-inspiring range of luxury handmade chocolates (including their best-selling gin truffles), hard-to-find gift confectionery, as well as a selection of malt whisky, rum, cognac and Scottish liqueurs. They also make award-winning ice cream on the premises with vegan and gluten-free options. There is certainly something for everyone.
Save the date of their upcoming free Scottish gin tasting events with The Teasmith, Ellis Gin and Gin Bothy. No booking required.
*For more details, visit Geraldo’s website by clicking here.
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